The Mamma Mia Cruise
Originally planned as a flotilla cruise in the Sporades with the Vienna International Sailing Club and Sail Charter International this was postponed from May 2020. Of the original 8 boats only 2 of us took part in the 2021 version.
As soon as Greece officially announced its opening to tourism from 14th May there was a panic to find crew and book flights & hotels, get Covid PCR tests, fill in travel locator forms, watch the 2 Mamma Mia films etc.
We arrived at the marina in Skiathos on the Saturday to take possession of our Oceanis 41.1. Although the boat was 2 years old, due to Covid it has hardly been sailed and was in perfect condition.
Day 1: Skiathos to Skopelos
Set off around 10am with reasonable winds. Put in first reef after leaving the shadow of the islands at the mouth of the bay. Practiced some manoeuvres and tried putting in second reef only to notice that the pulley had fallen off the sail. Later in the week the first reef pulley fell off too: the shackle pins were obviously not tightened enough and unscrewed themselves.
We eventually headed downwind to Agnondas where we anchored in the empty bay for a swim. The wind then dropped completely and we motored round to Skopelos harbour for the night.
Day 2: Skopelos to Kira Panayia
Sadly the promised 4bft wind never happened and we were on and off the motor all the way. We anchored in the bay on the SW of the island. Only one other boat plus our 2. The noise of the anchor chain in the swell, slapping of the water and rolling of the boat meant a pretty sleepless night, but the stars were wonderful.
Day 3: Kira Panayia
Again the wind didn't come and we only managed half an hour sailing on the way round to the northern bay. A perfect anchorage sheltered from all sides with opaque turquoise water. Only one other boat at anchor though apparently in normal year there are dozens.
Day 4: Kira Panayia to Patatiri (Alonnisos)
Spent a pleasant morning walking on the island but gave up the idea of visiting the monastery when we realised it was quite a hike.
We finally got a bit of wind in between the 2 islands and had a couple of hours pleasant sailing. Motored down the coast of Alonnisos to Patatiri. Unfortunately there was quite a sell in the small harbour that prevented sleep, plus the change of wind direction meant having to pull up a couple of metres of anchor chain in the middle of the night to stay clear of the quay.
Day 5: Patatiri to Skiathos
No wind was forecast, but a storm was to arrive overnight so we decided to head straight to Skiathos and shelter there, especially as we had booked a Covid test for 1pm next day.
The wind picked up on the final crossing and we had a couple of hours super sailing into Skiathos. It was very windy overnight so happy to be on a secure mooring. The temperature plummeted too and breakfast was a chilly affair the next morning.
We had a spare day so rented a car and toured the island, visiting a beautiful monastery and a deserted beach.